The murder of George Floyd has underscored the deep inequities that have long plagued American society. In a note to the Carnegie community, Bill Burns reflects on Carnegie’s commitment to build a more just future here at home and around the world, without which peace will remain beyond our grasp.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought the era of highly ambitious U.S. diplomacy to an unceremonious end. As U.S. power wanes, is Washington ready for a world that has never needed it more and trusted it less?

If ever there were a moment to call Americans to serve, it’s now. To help ensure they answer that call, it’s time to end the war on government, revive U.S. institutions, and shape a new era of public service.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish a nuclear weapon from a conventional one. The risk of misidentifying either—especially prior to its launch—is an underappreciated and growing danger. At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, this confusion could spark a nuclear war.